Voltaire House Museum, Geneva

From 1755 to 1760, "Les Délices" in Geneva, served as the residence of the famous French philosopher Voltaire (1694–1778). Since 1952, this historic site has been home to the Institut et Musée Voltaire, a museum focusing on Voltaire's life and contributions.

Voltaire, along with his niece and romantic partner, Madame Marie-Louise Denis, sought a new home away from French authority, which frequently clashed with Voltaire due to his controversial writings. Despite the prohibition against Catholics owning land in Protestant Geneva, Voltaire managed to lease a property through local connections, gaining permission to reside in the city.

The property, owned by Geneva banker Jean-Jacques Millet, boasted impressive views, extensive gardens, and was fully furnished. On January 19, 1755, Voltaire and Mme. Denis were captivated by the property, particularly a gallery suitable for their theatrical interests. By March 1, 1755, after complex negotiations, they moved in and quickly enhanced the already magnificent residence with diverse plants and fruit trees, employing numerous gardeners, servants, and artisans. They named it "Les Délices" and Voltaire expressed his fondness for the place in a 1758 poem.

Voltaire left Les Délices for Ferney, France, in 1760. The Tronchin family later occupied it, and it served various purposes over the years, including as a Bible storage during the 1830s under Colonel Henri Tronchin.

The city of Geneva acquired the property in 1929, and it now hosts the museum dedicated to Voltaire, established in 1952. It contains a collection dedicated to the philosopher's memory, which includes manuscripts, printed materials, and various visual documents. Additionally, visitors can view items, especially furniture, that once belonged to the philosopher.